Suicide is an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, the Leland community was invited in by the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 to discuss suicide awareness. There are 22 male and female veterans that commit suicide every day. The presentation started at 10 a.m. at the Elah Baptist Church at 1527 Old Fayetteville Road, Leland, NC. The presenter was John Hacker, the chairman of the North Carolina Department American Legion Suicide Awareness, “Be the One” program and vice-chair of the Leland American Legion Post 68.

The discussion on Saturday talked about the stressors that lead to suicide, such as exposure to trauma causing physical and phycological issues that are then exasperated by domestic troubles. There are of course many other issues, but the discussion also pointed out how to talk to veterans and how to listen. Adrian Lane, the Post 68 service officer, also spoke about available resources that can be accessed for assistance.

The plan is to continue to have these community presentations throughout 2024. We will keep you posted when and where we will have our next presentation for the public.

REMEMBER:
BE THE ONE – to ASK veterans in your life how they are doing. To LISTEN when a veteran needs to talk. To REACH OUT when a veteran is struggling. Crisis line DIAL 988 then PRESS 1